www.YamahaR.co.uk

Hi All

To sumise the below for people who can't be bothered to read my dribble: can a neewbie ride an R1

I'm new to biking (motor at least) and would say I'm halfway sensible. I checked a few bikes out and read up on a few. I keep coming back around (or between) the fact that even though the R1's and R6's have the ability to kill me - so does the likes of a ER6 or an XJ6. So what makes the vast majority of posters say 'dont buy an R1 for your first bike'. I just don't get why buying a big litre bike and learning on it is such a massive problem. Of course if I was 19 I think my mindset would have been to get out and see if I could get near the top speed but these days sense and the good ole 'correction factor' is with me so I honestly feel somebody pulling out on me on a 60 or me grabbing some gravel on a corner can happen on any bike.

My test ER6 bike will apparently get 0-60 3.5s while the R1 will do it in around 3 (I don't know how true this actually is).

So why then does everybody say RIP, idiot etc when people talk about an R1 for a first bike. I understand that the top speed is a word apart and the power delivery may also be different as well the handling characteristics. I also know I wont even get close to the limits of an R6 never mind R1 so why choose an R1 then, well its the weight mainly, of the bikes I've rode I feel safer on the heavier faster bike. I'm old and somewhat wise and dont really intend to go more than 20mph over any speed limit. I want to have a nice big presence on the road. and I want to be able to ride to oulton park and run some track days to really understand how to ride.

I think I'd like to pickup an early pre-binned R1 (got one to sell me??) because I'm bound to either bin or drop it at some point especially intending to commute and when on the road not really ride it for kicks, but save that for the track days and advanced riding course. Sure I'd be opening the bike up from time to time (and probably not like some of you guys open them up) and it's not like I'd be riding around trying to scream the proverbials off it so people said "wow look how 'cool' that guy is". I also dont give a hoot if I get the "yeh but he never revs it past 4k" responses either. I'm in this for the exhilaration & enjoyment of biking, and hopefully the excitement of track days - where when I do come sliding off I have a chance to break all my bones rather than be cut in half. (glass is definitively half empty since my tip towards 40)...


So here's you chance - blast me if you think it's a crazy idea and give me your tales and words of wisdom, more importantly if you think it's something that can be done and survived I'd love to hear it. People are quick to share stories of woe but not so many good or success stories are shared - perhaps because there are none.

Bit about me... The guy who's training me thinks I'm a decent rider (in his words better than 90 percent of the riders coming thru - not that means anything or even gives me any false confidence), I'm 6 foot 2. Longer than average arms and legs and weigh in at 14 stone. I look a complete wally on most motorbikes but it's well worth it.

My gear is not leather but waterproof textiles so I'm not sure how that will slide down the road, but obviously I'm always wearing the right gear and am thinking of getting a bit more armor (not that it'll help in a meeting with a kerb). I've ridden mountain bikes all my life from downhill to cross country and commuted 15 miles round trip in a fairly busy inner city through my childhood and student days - I certainly have quite a few scary moments even today and always ride like I'm invisible - so far I've been extremely lucky I guess with never being knocked off or done anything to get me in a bad position. I'm always coming close to problems on busy roundabouts and this is probably why anything under a torque'y 600 for me is out.



Let me know what you think. even run a vote - blast me or support me - my decision isn't made on my bike choice but the R1 is something I really think would be a decent choice for both fun and commutes (ok - so maybe not so much fun for my 20/30 minute commute)


don't be too harsh - remember I didn't kick your cat just would like a bit more advice from some experienced riders...

Ah I didn't read the dribble but if you buy an r1 for your first bike imo the reasons against would be 1 safety it's like passing your car test and jumping In a supercar! You can say I wouldn't put pedal to the metal but we'll see and on a bike if you're a sh!t new rider and wind the power on to early ect say bye to them nice shiny fairings..
2 you'll either continue to be a sh!te rider or at least be a lot slower at mastering the skill needed to handle it as you will have never found the limit of anything prior so you won't have built your confidence in your abilities


Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

Ah I didn't read the dribble but if you buy an r1 for your first bike imo the reasons against would be 1 safety it's like passing your car test and jumping In a supercar! You can say I wouldn't put pedal to the metal but we'll see and on a bike if you're a sh!t new rider and wind the power on to early ect say bye to them nice shiny fairings..
2 you'll either continue to be a sh!te rider or at least be a lot slower at mastering the skill needed to handle it as you will have never found the limit of anything prior so you won't have built your confidence in your abilities


Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

Luke03R1 wrote:Ah I didn't read the dribble but if you buy an r1 for your first bike imo the reasons against would be 1 safety it's like passing your car test and jumping In a supercar! You can say I wouldn't put pedal to the metal but we'll see and on a bike if you're a sh!t new rider and wind the power on to early ect say bye to them nice shiny fairings..
2 you'll either continue to be a sh!te rider or at least be a lot slower at mastering the skill needed to handle it as you will have never found the limit of anything prior so you won't have built your confidence in your abilities

Edit: I felt bad so read the rest..... My comments still stand and the er6 is a whole galaxy away from the r1 others have gone this route and you do sound as if you'd be sensible (not something I'm renowned for) but I'd always say get something like the er first until it feels like you need more

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

You will get "the exhilaration & enjoyment of biking" from riding an ER6 and learning how to get the most out of it before moving up to an R1, its a learning curve that you need to follow....... if you just want to pose on a big powerful bike go ahead and when you get left for dead by a guy on an ER6 maybe then the penny will drop

Luke03R1 wrote:

Luke03R1 wrote:Ah I didn't read the dribble but if you buy an r1 for your first bike imo the reasons against would be 1 safety it's like passing your car test and jumping In a supercar! You can say I wouldn't put pedal to the metal but we'll see and on a bike if you're a sh!t new rider and wind the power on to early ect say bye to them nice shiny fairings..
2 you'll either continue to be a sh!te rider or at least be a lot slower at mastering the skill needed to handle it as you will have never found the limit of anything prior so you won't have built your confidence in your abilities

Edit: I felt bad so read the rest..... My comments still stand and the er6 is a whole galaxy away from the r1 others have gone this route and you do sound as if you'd be sensible (not something I'm renowned for) but I'd always say get something like the er first until it feels like you need more

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

Bloody hell Luke them pills must be working ... I will also post a serious reply on me way to work.

personally i wouldnt, but your a grown man and you take your chances in life. i think you would "enjoy" riding far more when you have mastered riding before getting on a machine that lets be honest is a honed superbike which is designed to get round a track in the fastest possible time. throttle response, suspension and brakes are all designed to be "harsh" and any person with lack of experience will get caught out, what happens after that is in the lap of the gods. good luck in what ever decision you make. just remember that the responses by riders (although we dont want to hear it)is born from experience.

Hi mike, that's a good write up and you have not asked a daft question, the only stupid question is one that is never asked.

You have just passed your test congratulations and welcome to the biking community, you have found a really good forum here, lots of banter and we all support one and other. New members are always welcome. Peeps on here have many many years of riding experience and we range in ages from 22 to 58.... We did a recent topic on this one.

You will be using your bike for commuting, ride outs and track days, actually that's what the majority of us use our bikes for.

I remember when I learnt to surf, I told my instructor I wanted to go out to the green waves that's where all the good surfers were, he said you have to start in the white stuff waist deep where the waves are braking..... Remember this he said, even those guys had to start where you are today.

Ok story over .

You have done your research, which is a very sensible approach and you have said you fancy an R6 or an R1. My advice would be if your mind is made up, go fir the R6, get a few years under your belt and then move up to the R1. The youngsters on here had lower powered bikes before they got their R1's. An R 6 will still be putting out about 112 bhp at the rear wheel, that's a lot if power, an R1 about 160 to 165 . Joe-blogs on here has recently passed his test and got an R6. At the end of the day, you are a biker and it doesn't matter what you ride you will be welcomed into the biking community.

The thing is you have passed your test, now you need to learn to ride, build up your skills, and the only way to do that is by time in the saddle. The thing is the more you ride, the better you get, the better you get the more you enjoy riding...... It's great. But you need to build up your skill...which brake do you use the most to stop? What's your throttle control like, clutch control, can you use clutch less up shifts, do you blip going down the box......

A neighbour of mine passed his test back in 2008 he purchased a brand new 4c8 he scared the sh!t out of himself riding the bike home, he took it out a handful of times. He still has the bike, it's done less than 1,000 miles and it has pride of place in his conservatory..... It never goes out now, he bought a smaller bike and has a hoot of a time on that.

The thing about the R1 or any litre bike, it's the power that can oh so quickly get an experienced rider into trouble let alone a new rider. A small amount if movement in the throttle can get you from 70 to over 100 in the blink of an eye, or can have the front tuck and low side you on a damp bend, your right hand really does have to be silky smooth.

Also worth pointing out is an R6 in the hands of a good rider will outclass an R1 on the road and track in the hands of a not so good rider.

I would go fir the R6, cut your teath, get some miles under your belt, ride in all weathers, and ride defensively, definitely take some advanced tuition, the IAM are good for that or the bike safe courses, plus Cheshire county council used to run training days with ex police officers. Do a track day when you have built up your skills, there are some good track schools that will give you a taster, you will need to get a decent set of two piece zip together leathers or a one piece suit, they won't let you on track with textiles.

There is nothing wrong in aiming for an R1 but it's slowly slowly catch the monkey as they say, don't run before you can walk.

I hope you take my reply in the spirit it is intended, we are all bikers and we are here to help each other, we have been there, got the t shirts, learnt from our mistakes, we are the lucky ones, we are still here, some friends are sadly not.

I fully understand where you are coming from, but set the R1 as your goal and start off with something that is a bit more managible.

Good luck

Steve

I'm not going to suggest you don't get the R1, go for it, but only if you can be sensible, when i go out on mine i have every intention of riding sensible, but it never happens if you know what i mean, the power of my bike over powers my will power every time, that's why i stacked my first one, as for the textiles, if the weather is sh!te and your gonna ride slow then that's fine, but if the weather is ok then i'd suggest a good set of leathers, gloves , boots & a back protector.

When I past my test my 1st big bike was a zxr400, great little sports bike, learned me loads about cornering, I then when onto a zx6r before moving onto litre bikes. few guys I know bough bikes to fast for there abilitys they didn't put them selfs at a big risk but there riding skills suffered they were half scared of there bikes and the couldn't corner worth a sh!t!
Also if you go for a litre bike as a first bike you insurance could be mental

It makes sense to start on a slower , lighter , less expensive bike as the vast majority of people will at some point drop there bike until they get used to the balance of it at low speeds. Its a lot easier to stop a lighter bike falling over than a heavy bike.
There are a lot of good small bikes out there and personally I would suggest a trailie for your first bike, master the balance then move on when you feel ready.

Thanks all - i really do apreciate the responses and only take good from all the feedback! It does seem that more opinions say dont rather than do. If for no other reasons but to grow skills.

I'm understanding that the R1 is a bit like riding a horse - you're learning on a thoroughbred.. Is it doable - yes sure, but I think you guys are trying to say why challenge yourself so early and increase the odds of problems...

If the R1's a no-no I'll maybe try to sit on and test ride the R6
I'm of the opinion that it may look smaller (although I'm sure it's not all that smaller)

Do you guys know what other bikes I should look into. As I say I loved the XJ6 naked and I also looked at Fazers... I just don't find them physically large bikes - I'm not overly concerned with power figures due to as mentioned getting to 60 in 3 or 4 seconds at my level makes no massive difference. I checked out the FJR1300 but it just didnt seem to have the track appeal that I'm hoping to learn (on the tracks)...

My biggest problem seems to be I'm not really willing to change my price bracket from 1800 to max 3k... this is why I always end up back at the R1 camp - the R6 tries to pull me in but the additional weight appeal of the R1 always puts me at odds.

In my virtual garage I do have some sensible bikes too:

Fazer
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/bikes/motor ... kes-twt001" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

XJ6
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/bikes/motor ... kes-twt001" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But I'm not convinced on the physical size and prescense of the fazer/xj6 V's the R1's physical size (I've seen a fazer in the flesh next to a triumph tiger). For me it's about prescense on the road (trying to minimise the accidents as best I can) and also having that track-ability. When I read up on the R1 it definately worries me - but then again so does the R6 (worried as in respect and the fact that these are more than I would need or be capable of hadling properly). Then I go look at the XJ6's and FZ's and the test bike which for me are all managable and definately seem to do great jobs but when it comes time to learn on the track they dont really seem like jack-of-all's. The other thing I go back to is I can slip on gravel and end up in trouble on any of the bikes. One thing I very quickly am finding out is that (like MTB's) there are lots of all rounders but they are just that.

Thanks for your comments - I do agree sadle time is highly important, also yeh stuff like me pulling the front brake (I'm not proud but I can pretty much modulate the ER6's brakes to do small intentional stoppie) on a wet cambered road on an R1/R6 is going to see my on the black stuff but I honestly don't see a massive difference between that and happening on any bike. Ok so I know the rear is the way to go but without that saddle time instinctively I would assume I'd hit the front first. Yeh the fact I can more easil overcorrect is definately whats making me as the questions of you guys and all the sounds of "dont do it" on the various forums are very prominent. e.g. an accidental twist of the wrist on an R1 Vs ER6 is the difference of probably 30 to 40 mph different that is likely to equate to a lampost or 2's distance. So I do see that a litre bike increases the probability of problems but tbh. if I was thinking like that I'd stick to the train


So if you all halfway talked me out of an R1....
Does anybody track an XJ6 or a Fazer? Do you guys have the info on which is the biggest bike for a taller guy both height and width? How do they go on the track?


I know it doesnt exist but I figured an R1 fit my needs albeit I knew it was the fastest and most dangerous as a bike that could be rode on the road (albeit at 5%) then teach me everything and more on a track. The R6 fitted better but the weight and (hopeful) stability this added swayed me to the r1...

Me I would go with an ER6 or a Suzuki SV650, both are good on the road or on a track, you will learn a lot and learn faster, you will probably be passing a few R1s and R6s once you start getting the full potential out of either bike on a track, thats the time to think about trading up to an R1

Welcome in Mike
First have you ever at least sat on any R1 or ridden one ?
If you'd have asked this question before i had my R1 i'd have said you were nuts but although apprehensive in buying my R1 i've found it very smooth & easy to ride .

Yes big bikes do feel more "planted" when riding them normaly but when "sh!t" happens that extra weight is your enemy !

in the wet an ER6 won't spin the bake tyre up like an R1 or even an R6 !

i'm not saying don't get either but i am saying that riding a big powerful bike is some thing you need to learn in steps like the other lads say get something smaller & learn first.
a mate of mine has a fazer 600 for a winter hack & two fireblades , believe me he doesn't hang about on the fazer !!

EDIT:
What ever you buy have fun & don't be a stranger , your welcome to come back even if you don't have an R1/6 . . . . . . then again if you get a blade do one

TLS_Russ wrote:Me I would go with an ER6 or a Suzuki SV650, both are good on the road or on a track, you will learn a lot and learn faster, you will probably be passing a few R1s and R6s once you start getting the full potential out of either bike on a track, thats the time to think about trading up to an R1

Yep you will probably be going past me....

Only recently been through the ranks myself. I have friends who jumped the gun and first bikes being a blade or gsxr1000. They lack confidence and skill due to never feeling the bike at full throttle. I guess what im saying is, any bike feels different when pinned and thats where i learn how to ride. Limit the power to enable easier pinned control. I still cant pin the r1 and feel in control. But give me an er6 (which i own 1 myself) and i am confident when twisting it on. Shows my stage of learning in my opinion. Im confident i could lap quicker on my er6 than the r1 atm. Purely because im used to that power stage.

I've read that a few times now and here are my thoughts.

Firstly, do what the feck you want its your life, but make sure you consider every action etc etc

I am 6ft 31/2 and in leathers and kit 12.5 stone. I like you look stupid on smaller bikes.

So your 40, still young, i'd swap you You seem to know yourself well enough and have stated how you want to ride, so far so good, track days with tuition will help you improve so in theory you are thinking well.

A few things to think about.

Early R1's are a difficult bike to master and ride as slow as the fuel injected ones.
They are quite small compared to the newer models
They kick like a Mule on acid
Road presence, be careful there; other bike riders and quite a few car drivers will assume that a FULL on sports bike rider will know what they are doing.
Power delivery of the ER6 v R1 not even on the same planet, 0-60 times even at 0.5 of a second (if that is true) will scare the crap out of you.

You do what you want, I would do the same and did in the 80's went from a 125lc to a weisco 940 big bore gs850 mega barge with all the trick bits and some sh!t ones as well, how did it feel, scary scary in fact fuggin scary, would I do it again, HELL YES but I was 18 and didn't give a feck, at 48 I still don't but I have 31 years under my wheels.

R1's are made to be ridden fast, you can ride them at slower speeds and a lot on here do, but they are hard to ride and your speed WILL be slower again, they want to fall over at slow speeds, the brakes bite and bite hard, even when you breath on them, in an emergency situation, you WILL f**k up. The throttle WILL get the better of you, I don't care what you say it WILL go wrong, hopefully you will have enough skill to get out of it.

I am sure lots on here will help you to learn your bike (if you get one) I for one will offer that, if your close enough

Keep us informed, keep safe and keep safe those that you share the road with

Final note from Bub.

Tell him to get one, we need a new member in the "Crash Test Dummies" section

steveR1 has given you a good recommendation a mate of mine had the sv650 a while back when I had a gixxer thou long before I was ready and he battered me on it every time mainly because I didn't know how to use all the power I had.Start there and hone your skills before moving to the litre bikes is good advise.

Welcome m8,

I bought a 2006 R6 an hour after passing my test last May, at 45 years of age, am 6 feet 2 15 stone, I had people trying to talk sense into me and not buy the R6 but thats what I wanted purely for a blast after work etc not for riding to work every day. I have 5000 miles under my belt now as we had a great summer last year and am obviously more confident on the bike but I did take it very easy for the first 2k miles, I feel a lot more confident on bike but I generally go out on my own or with a m8 who passed his test just after me. Another thing with buying an R1 straight away is Insurance, I was £534 for the R6 fully comp which is on top of your budget, I imagine an R1 will be more expensive.

Cheers John

Great point re insurance. I was off road bikes for a few years, tried to get insured after having a ZX9R for only 2 months and guess what, Told to F off by most, 1500 + by others.

It was only talking to a company's risk assessor and getting a personnel quote that they insured me. I had no NCB, but 30+ years riding incl. track stuff aged 46 and they wanted just under £800, one year on its about £236.

Bet no one will touch you under 2k

The r6 was my first bike after 25 yrs and was 350 quid which was ok. Got 1 yrs ncb from that and got the r1. It jumped to 500 quid with a 1000 quid excess which I pay a separate insurance to cover if I ever have to claim so I pay zero excess if thst makes sense. This yrs insurance csme down by 100 quid and less on cover insurance

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

pod wrote:The r6 was my first bike after 25 yrs and was 350 quid which was ok. Got 1 yrs ncb from that and got the r1. It jumped to 500 quid with a 1000 quid excess which I pay a separate insurance to cover if I ever have to claim so I pay zero excess if thst makes sense. This yrs insurance csme down by 100 quid and less on cover insurance

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

I managed to keep my policy excess down to £500, they initially said it would be £1000. Do you have a link for the excess insurance, I have used excess insurance abroad when we hire a car with AtlasDirect but have never heard of it otherwise.

Cheers

It was via mce

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

PJC wrote:I've read that a few times now and here are my thoughts.

Firstly, do what the feck you want its your life, but make sure you consider every action etc etc

A few things to think about.

Early R1's are a difficult bike to master and ride as slow as the fuel injected ones.
They are quite small compared to the newer models
They kick like a Mule on acid
Road presence, be careful there; other bike riders and quite a few car drivers will assume that a FULL on sports bike rider will know what they are doing.
Power delivery of the ER6 v R1 not even on the same planet, 0-60 times even at 0.5 of a second (if that is true) will scare the crap out of you.

You do what you want, I would do the same and did in the 80's went from a 125lc to a weisco 940 big bore gs850 mega barge with all the trick bits and some sh!t ones as well, how did it feel, scary scary in fact fuggin scary, would I do it again, HELL YES but I was 18 and didn't give a feck, at 48 I still don't but I have 31 years under my wheels.

R1's are made to be ridden fast, you can ride them at slower speeds and a lot on here do, but they are hard to ride and your speed WILL be slower again, they want to fall over at slow speeds, the brakes bite and bite hard, even when you breath on them, in an emergency situation, you WILL f**k up. The throttle WILL get the better of you, I don't care what you say it WILL go wrong, hopefully you will have enough skill to get out of it.

I am sure lots on here will help you to learn your bike (if you get one) I for one will offer that, if your close enough

Keep us informed, keep safe and keep safe those that you share the road with

I agree with Pete on this one,do what you want to do,but be safe and think of others around you


R1`s can be very aggressive,acceleration and braking

I also have a Honda XR400,about 30BHP and it still accelerates pretty quick and sat up high i actually feel like i have more road prescence on that than my R1,but the brakes are fairly sh!te,but on the R1 they could put you over the bars if you f**k up!

I had a Blade(RRS) before my R1(5PW) and that was quite a step up in the power stakes,first ride out i spun up the rear on a corner i could(on the blade)give it a full handful and still come out with grip to spare!!

I suppose theres lots of reasons not to go for the R1,but also lots of reasons to have one,as already said,its your decision,but the self control you need not to give it a fucking great big handfull is way more than i have

Good luck in whichever decision you make,but dont be a stranger,this forums for more than just R1`s/R6`s

Take Joe's advice, buy an R6 , do a year, then move up, its a cracking bike for tracks and will get you used tae sportsbikes.